You walked in counting every step
I lost track somewhere near your hips
You said “Baby keep it logical”
Then moved like logic didn’t exist

My drink was ninety-nine percent
Cool confidence and one percent fear
You leaned in close changed every sum
Now nothing adds up over here

I tried to draw a straight line
You turned it to a curve
I calculated all night
Still got what I deserve

I’m bad at fractions when you’re dancing
You take half then take the rest
My heart keeps doing multiplication
Every time you move like that

One plus one should make it simple
But with you the rules collapse
I’m bad at fractions when you’re dancing
So take all of me—do the math
*(Do the math baby)*
Take all of me—do the math
*(Uno dos—bring it back)*

You got a rhythm like a riddle
Every answer starts a fight
Your waist keeps changing the percentage
Of the chances I act right

I brought a list of good decisions
You divided every plan
Now my balance is suspicious
And my patience left the band

I tried to keep it even
You raised it to a ten
I checked the calculation
Then did it all again

I’m bad at fractions when you’re dancing
You take half then take the rest
My heart keeps doing multiplication
Every time you move like that

One plus one should make it simple
But with you the rules collapse
I’m bad at fractions when you’re dancing
So take all of me—do the math
*(Do the math baby)*
Take all of me—do the math
*(Uno dos—bring it back)*

You say “How much?”
*(All of it)*
I say “Too much”
*(Not enough)*
You say “Count it”
I lose my place
When that rhythm hits the bass

You say “How much?”
*(All of it)*
I say “Too much”
*(Not enough)*
No remainder no return
Let the whole equation burn

Square root round hips
Quick clap slow kiss
I know numbers I know facts
But you make two plus two misbehave like that

Left turn three steps
No sleep no regrets
Every theory that I had
Falls apart when you do that

*(Ay ay—do that)*
*(Otra vez—do that)*

**[Final Chorus]**
I’m bad at fractions when you’re dancing
You take half then take the rest
My heart keeps doing multiplication
Every time you move like that

One plus one should make it simple
But with you the rules collapse
I’m bad at fractions when you’re dancing
So take all of me—do the math

*(Do the math baby)*
Take all of me—do the math
*(Uno dos—bring it back)*
No remainder no looking back
Take all of me—do the math

You parked across the hydrant
Like the law had gone to lunch
Brought six supermarket daisies
Held together with a rubber band

Said “I’ve been doing lots of thinking”
With the posture of a judge
Then set one careful “sorry”
On my counter still unopened

You pressed your palm against your chest
Like cameras filled the hall
I asked for one clean answer
You gave the director’s cut

Keep the receipt sweetheart
This apology runs small
It pinches where the truth should fit
And hangs loose everywhere else

Keep the receipt sweetheart
Take the whole display with you
You brought me something called “I’m sorry”
But the tag says “almost true”

Almost true almost true
Look at you improving

You said your phone had lost its manners
Your watch was running scared
Your friends had formed a committee
And voted you unprepared

Your mother took the witness stand
Your therapist was quoted
I asked “Did you sleep with her?”
You said “The wording feels loaded”

You lowered your voice an octave
That trick you save for court
I asked where you were Tuesday
You gave the weather report

Keep the receipt sweetheart
This apology runs small
It pinches where the truth should fit
And hangs loose everywhere else

Keep the receipt sweetheart
Take the whole display with you
You brought me something called “I’m sorry”
But the tag says “almost true”

No don’t kneel; the floor is clean
Don’t swear on anybody’s grave
Skip the trembling lower lip
You practiced beside the valet

I’m just taking inventory:
One key two names three hotel pens
You may keep the supermarket daisies
They’ve heard the whole defense

Keep the receipt sweetheart
This apology runs small
It pinches where the truth should fit
And hangs loose everywhere else

Keep the receipt sweetheart
Take your grand performance too
You brought me something called “I’m sorry”
But the tag says “almost true”

Almost true almost true
Look at you improving

“Need a bag?”
“No he came with one”

Sept heures douze le réveil insiste
Je négocie encore quatre minutes
Le chat me regarde comme une huissière
Il connaît déjà toutes mes excuses

Une chaussette noire une chaussette bleue
Je déclare que c’est volontaire
Le pain a brûlé pendant que je lisais
Un message marqué « très prioritaire »

Dans l’ascenseur Madame Lefèvre
Me raconte son ficus malade
Je hoche la tête avec gravité
Comme une spécialiste des salades

J’avais prévu d’être impeccable
Organisée presque admirable
Mais le mardi connaît mon adresse
Et vient toujours semer le désordre

La vie c’est souvent de travers
Un bus raté des pâtes trop cuites
Un grand discours dans ma tête
Puis « oui bien sûr » quand on m’invite

La vie c’est rarement comme prévu
Mais franchement tant mieux peut-être
Je perds mes clés je gagne une histoire
Et ça suffit pour tenir debout

À dix heures trente réunion d’équipe
Quelqu’un partage trente-six tableaux
Je dessine un poisson sur mon carnet
Il a l’air plus compétent que nous

À midi Sonia commande léger
Puis vole la moitié de mes frites
Elle dit : « Ça ne compte pas vraiment
Quand ça vient de l’assiette d’une copine »

Le serveur oublie mon dessert
Je décide que c’est philosophique
Certaines choses arrivent en retard
D’autres jamais et c’est très pratique

J’avais prévu d’être raisonnable
De répondre vite d’être joignable
Mais mon téléphone tombe à trois pour cent
Et soudain le monde se débrouille

La vie c’est souvent de travers
Un bus raté des pâtes trop cuites
Un grand discours dans ma tête
Puis « oui bien sûr » quand on m’invite

La vie c’est rarement comme prévu
Mais franchement tant mieux peut-être
Je perds mes clés je gagne une histoire
Et ça suffit pour tenir debout

Dix-neuf heures six petite supérette
Je prends du lait des tomates du savon
Je repars avec un ananas
Et sans aucune explication

Le caissier demande si j’ai la carte
Je réponds oui puis cherche longtemps
Derrière moi personne ne soupire
C’est probablement un miracle local

Chez moi je cuisine en musique
Le chat refuse toute participation
Je mange debout près de l’évier
Comme une reine sans administration

On nous apprend les grandes décisions
Les beaux départs les lendemains utiles
Mais personne ne parle assez souvent
Du bonheur discret d’annuler un dîner

D’enlever ses chaussures trop tôt
De rire seule pour une phrase idiote
De trouver au fond d’un vieux sac
Le bonbon qu’on croyait disparu

La vie c’est souvent de travers
Un rendez-vous puis une autre route
Une mauvaise journée bien racontée
Devient presque une journée réussie

La vie c’est rarement comme prévu
Et c’est peut-être tout son talent
Je ferme les volets je laisse la vaisselle
Demain fera mieux… ou différemment

Minuit vingt-deux le réveil est prêt
Je promets d’être sérieuse demain
Le chat me regarde sans rien dire
Il connaît déjà très bien la fin

I told you enough to calm your doubt
Left every harder detail out
Called it mercy called it care
But truth with holes is still unfair
You read my face before my words
Knew every answer had been curved
I kept the facts at arm's length
Then watched that distance take our strength

I cannot ask for trust again
Without admitting where I bent

I was halfway honest
That means halfway gone
I gave you selected pieces
Then asked you to hold on
I was halfway honest
You deserved the whole
No more careful versions
No more edited soul

I made excuses sound so clean
Kept my fault behind a screen
Said I wanted us to heal
While I hid what you could feel
You never asked for perfect proof
Only one complete hard truth
So here it is without defense
I broke our bond with half events

I cannot ask for trust again
Without admitting where I bent

I was halfway honest
That means halfway gone
I gave you selected pieces
Then asked you to hold on
I was halfway honest
You deserved the whole
No more careful versions
No more edited soul

If you leave I understand
If you stay I change my stand
Either way this much is true
I will not hide myself from you

I was halfway honest
That means halfway gone
I gave you selected pieces
Then asked you to hold on
I was halfway honest
You deserved the whole
Now you get the full truth
No more edited soul

I left at seventeen before the bread was warm
took the blue suitcase nobody claimed
Mother stood polishing the same clean glass
Dad read the paper without turning a page

There was a woman’s name behind the pantry clock
written twice then crossed with a kitchen knife
I asked who she was
They asked why I was still awake

Huh

They said “You’ll understand when you’re older”
So I got older somewhere else

I was gone before the kettle sang
gone before they fixed their tale
Let them blame my age my temper
let them blame the morning train

I was gone gone gone—
they can call it running if they like
I didn’t leave because they hated me
I left because they knew me wrong

Years later a stranger stopped me near the docks
said “You walk exactly like she did”
I laughed and asked “Who?”
She looked at me as though I’d made a joke

Then she handed me a photograph:
my father younger one hand out of frame
and a girl with my uneven teeth
wearing the blue suitcase name tag

Huh Small world
Terrible handwriting

She said “Your mother tried her best”
I said “Which one?”

I was gone before the kettle sang
gone before they fixed their tale
Let them blame my age my temper
let them blame the morning train

I was gone gone gone—
they can call it running if they like
I didn’t leave because they hated me
I left because they knew me wrong

Maybe I was kept
Maybe I was traded
Maybe love gets very polite
when the truth is complicated

I never asked again

That keeps them nervous

I was gone before the kettle sang
gone before they fixed their tale
Let them polish every answer
I know where the story fails

I was gone gone gone—
huh they still insist I’m wild
I didn’t leave because I hated them
I left as someone else’s child

I found it in a Sunday ad
Between a sofa and a wedding band
“Barely used no questions asked”
The seller wore a borrowed name

He said it worked on jealous hearts
On hotel clerks and parking guards
I paid in cash he wished me luck
Then vanished before the light changed

I practiced every detail
The hour the street the rain
But truth has lousy manners
It keeps interrupting names

I bought a secondhand alibi
Cheap enough to fit my life
It worked until you asked me twice
Now every version sounds like mine

I bought a secondhand alibi
With someone else’s reasons inside
The story held the timing died
Now every version sounds like mine

I said the train was running late
You knew that line from ’98
I blamed a man I’d never met
You said “At least invent him well”

I moved the evening half an hour
Changed the bar replaced the car
By then the lie had better shoes
And more ambition than the truth

I gave it dates and weather
A witness and a scar
You watched me build the ceiling
Then asked where the foundations are

I bought a secondhand alibi
Cheap enough to fit my life
It worked until you asked me twice
Now every version sounds like mine

I bought a secondhand alibi
With someone else’s reasons inside
The story held the timing died
Now every version sounds like mine

Mine on Monday
Mine by five
Mine when I need
Someone else to survive

The seller called at 2:13
Said “That excuse belongs to me”
I told him he could have it back
He laughed and said “You made it yours”

You poured your drink into the sink
Not angry almost entertained
You said “The worst part isn’t this
It’s how rehearsed you look in pain”

So here’s the part I didn’t buy
No clever date no useful guy
I stayed because I liked the risk
I left because you noticed it

No missing train no broken phone
No nameless friend to take the blame
I wanted two incompatible things
And called confusion by your name

I bought a secondhand alibi
Cheap enough to fit my life
It worked until you asked me why
Now every version sounds like mine

I bought a secondhand alibi
But guilt was never in the price
Keep the story keep the night
Every version sounds like mine

The truth was sitting in the car
Patient as an unpaid fare
I opened up the passenger door
It said “You took your time”

I saw your name in the window light
spelled out backwards on a passing bus
city heat on a borrowed bike
and a little bit of trouble looking back at us

You had a laugh like a camera flash
gone too soon but it burned the room
I had a heart with a broken latch
swinging open to a silver moon

We don't need forever to feel electric
just a little voltage under the skin
You move like velvet circuits
turning all my lonely lights on again
If the night tries to sell us silence
we'll answer with a melody and grin
You move like velvet circuits
and I keep coming back to begin

Coffee cold on a rooftop stair
bassline leaking from a taxi door
You tied a ribbon in your midnight hair
said the future isn't hungry anymore

I was counting every exit sign
making maps out of ways to leave
Then you put your hand inside of mine
like a rhythm that remembered me

We don't need forever to feel electric
just a little voltage under the skin
You move like velvet circuits
turning all my lonely lights on again
If the night tries to sell us silence
we'll answer with a melody and grin
You move like velvet circuits
and I keep coming back to begin

All my static turns to motion
all my caution learns to shine
There's a pulse beneath the pavement
keeping perfect crooked time

We don't need forever to feel electric
just a little voltage under the skin
You move like velvet circuits
turning all my lonely lights on again
If the night tries to sell us silence
we'll answer with a melody and grin
You move like velvet circuits
and I keep coming back to begin

Velvet circuits in the crosswalk glow
Velvet circuits and the city knows
Velvet circuits when the morning spins
I keep coming back to begin

No hay pupitre ni pizarra mi clase es la ciudad
Cada esquina un maestro cada calle una verdad
Aprendí de los fracasos de la escuela de intentar
Mis diplomas son las cicatrices que el tiempo no borrará

No aprendí de teorías mi saber es práctico
En el arte de vivir cada paso es didáctico

Soy alumno de la vida mi escuela es el mundo entero
Graduado en sobrevivir en cada esquina un sendero
La sabiduría callejera mi título más sincero
Con cada experiencia mi conocimiento es primero

Mis compañeros son los sueños mi tarea la realidad
Cada día una página nueva lista para comenzar
En las plazas hallé libros que no se pueden cerrar
En los ojos de la gente historias que enseñan a amar

No aprendí de teorías mi saber es práctico
En el arte de vivir cada paso es didáctico

Soy alumno de la vida mi escuela es el mundo entero
Graduado en sobrevivir en cada esquina un sendero
La sabiduría callejera mi título más sincero
Con cada experiencia mi conocimiento es primero

Entre sombras aprendí a encontrar la luz
La resiliencia es mi curso la esperanza mi cruz

Soy alumno de la vida mi escuela es el mundo entero
Graduado en sobrevivir en cada esquina un sendero
La sabiduría callejera mi título más sincero
Con cada experiencia mi conocimiento es primero

Cierro los ojos siento el viento cada susurro una lección
En el gran libro de la vida escribo mi propia canción

Gary’s got a corkboard on the bedroom wall
Red strings running from the big to the small
Says the moon’s a movie on a giant screen
“NASA hired Stanley back in ‘69” he’s keen

Won’t eat cereal with a barcode line
Reads expiration dates like secret signs
Says the pigeons blink in binary
Then whispers “Buddy… they’re watching me”

Every answer needs another question
Every fact becomes a new obsession

Wake up Gary what did you find?
Another secret hidden in your mind?
Lizard kings and laser skies
Birds with government eyes
Wake up Gary take a day off please
Not everything’s a global mystery
Maybe life is just… okay
But don’t tell Gary anyway

He says Elvis orders food at night
Bigfoot’s blurry on purpose right?
Paul was switched back in ‘64
“Look at the eyebrows!” — he’s got thirty more

Area Fifty-One’s a holiday camp
Atlantis powers every desk lamp
Chemtrails spell my middle name
And squirrels? “Yeah… they’re in the game”

Every headline proves his theory
Coffee makes him documentary

Wake up Gary what did you find?
Another secret hidden in your mind?
Lizard kings and laser skies
Birds with government eyes
Wake up Gary take a day off please
Not everything’s a global mystery
Maybe life is just… okay
But don’t tell Gary anyway

Yesterday he called at half past two
Said “I’ve got something huge for you!”
I held my breath… this must be big…

“They changed the shape… of Pringles lids”

…

He wasn’t joking

Wake up Gary what did you find?
Another rabbit hole to pass the time?
Flat Earth aliens secret files
He can talk for seventeen miles
Wake up Gary you’re one of a kind
You make conspiracy sound sublime
If the truth comes out one day
We’ll let Gary say “I told you mate!”

Packed my bags heading out tonight
City sights yeah they feel so bright
Got a feeling it's time to run
Leaving the past I'm ready for fun

Every step feels like a brand new start
Finding freedom that's where I'll find my heart

Hey I'm alive feel the rhythm rise
Dancing through the streets watch the good times fly
Letting go of what held me back
Now I'm on my way never looking back

Met some faces shared a laugh or two
Every moment feels like something new
With the music I can finally breathe
This is my time got so much to achieve

And when the night falls I won’t be alone
With the stars shining I've found my home

[Final Chorus]
Hey I'm alive feel the rhythm rise
Dancing through the streets watch the good times fly
Letting go of what held me back
Now I'm on my way never looking back

Uno viene dal porto
Uno scende dal tram
Una ride da sola
Uno non sa dove va

Ma il tamburo li chiama
Senza chiedere chi sei
Questa sera la strada
Ha più nomi di noi

C’è chi arriva con tre parole
Chi ne porta tremila
Chi cucina sopra un balcone
Chi ripara una bicicletta

C’è una radio dietro una porta
Che trasmette da chissà dove
Una nonna detta la danza
A una banda di ventenni

Il tassista perde il turno
Per seguire quel contrabbasso
Un bambino batte il tempo
Con due cucchiai sopra un piatto

Nessun palco nessun padrone
Nessun posto riservato
Quando il ritmo prende la piazza
Ogni nome viene chiamato

Vieni qua
Non serve sapere perché
Vieni qua
Porta soltanto quello che c’è

Questo è il punto più vivo
Dove tutto fa tum tum
Dove il nord incontra il sud
E nessuno resta più

Questo è il punto più vivo
Mani in alto giù di nuovo
Se la terra gira ancora
Questa notte gira con noi

Tum tum gira con noi
Tum tum gira con noi
Ogni lingua cambia il suono
Ma il battito dice: noi

Una cuoca lascia il grembiule
Per un passo mezzo sbagliato
Un avvocato molto serio
Fa qualcosa mai studiato

Due turisti senza mappa
Hanno perso la prudenza
Una coppia che litigava
Ora balla la stessa frase

C’è chi viene per curiosare
Chi domani deve partire
Chi ha promesso “solo un minuto”
Ed è ancora qui alle tre

Non importa da quale tavolo
Da quale treno o quartiere
Siamo pezzi senza istruzioni
Che funzionano tutti insieme

Vieni qua
Non devi assomigliare a me
Vieni qua
Porta il tuo modo di stare in piedi

Questo è il punto più vivo
Dove tutto fa tum tum
Dove il nord incontra il sud
E nessuno resta più

Questo è il punto più vivo
Mani in alto giù di nuovo
Se la terra gira ancora
Questa notte gira con noi

Tum tum gira con noi
Tum tum gira con noi
Ogni lingua cambia il suono
Ma il battito dice: noi

Dimmi come batti il tempo
Con il palmo o con il mento
Con le scarpe sul cemento
Con un fiato preso al volo

Uno due — non basta ancora
Tre quattro — viene l’aurora
Cinque sei — cambia la storia
Sette miliardi nella stessa gola

Io dico: vicino
Tutti: più vicino

Io dico: più forte
Tutti: fino al mattino

Io dico: chi siamo?
Tutti: quelli che arrivano

Io dico: dove siamo?
Tutti: dove le cose cominciano

Questo è il punto più vivo
Dove tutto fa tum tum
Dove il nord incontra il sud
E nessuno resta più

Questo è il punto più vivo
Ogni passo trova il modo
Se la terra gira ancora
Questa notte gira con noi

Tum tum gira con noi
Tum tum gira con noi
Non c’è un centro sulla carta
Il centro siamo noi

Uno torna verso il porto
Uno aspetta ancora il tram
La mattina prende nota
Di chi non si fermerà

Tum tum
Il centro siamo noi
Tum tum
Il centro siamo noi

You left me crying
But I came back dancing
Mm
I came back dancing

You took the keys
But not the door
You took your coat
But not the storm

I kept the dress
You never liked
Put on my heels
And killed the lights

You thought I’d call
You thought I’d break
You thought my heart
Would learn your name

But I found myself
At half past two
In a crowded room
Not missing you

I let the mirror see me
With my makeup running
Then I wiped it clean
Like I saw you coming

You were the lesson
I was the flame
You left the woman
But she changed her name

You left me lonely
Left me hurting
Left me standing in the rain

Now I’m moving
Now I’m burning
Now I’m dancing through the pain

You don’t get to hold me
When I’m finally free
You don’t get the old me
She don’t answer for me

You left me crying
But I came back dancing
You left me dying
But I came back dancing

Da-da-da-dancing
I came back dancing
Da-da-da-dancing
I came back dancing

I saw your friends
They looked surprised
Like I should hide
Like I should cry

I smiled so sweet
They looked away
I guess revenge
Can wear a face

No angry texts
No midnight scene
No begging you
To come to me

I changed the song
I changed the room
I changed the girl
Who waited for you

I let the mirror see me
With my heart wide open
Then I sewed it up
With a little gold thread

You were the reason
I hit the ground
But I’m the reason
I’m rising now

You left me lonely
Left me hurting
Left me standing in the rain

Now I’m moving
Now I’m burning
Now I’m dancing through the pain

You don’t get to hold me
When I’m finally free
You don’t get the old me
She don’t answer for me

You left me crying
But I came back dancing
You left me dying
But I came back dancing

Da-da-da-dancing
I came back dancing
Da-da-da-dancing
I came back dancing

I was a house with the windows open
You were the match in a careless hand
I was the girl who kept forgiving
Now I’m the woman you can’t command

I don’t hate you
That’s too easy
I don’t need you
That’s the twist

I don’t want you
To come save me
I just want you
To see this

You left me lonely
Left me hurting
Left me standing in the rain

Now I’m moving
Now I’m burning
Now I’m dancing through the pain

You don’t get to hold me
When I’m finally free
You don’t get the old me
She don’t answer for me

You left me crying
But I came back dancing
You left me dying
But I came back dancing

You left me lonely
But I came back shining
You left me broken
But I came back diamond

You left me crying
But I came back dancing

Da-da-da-dancing
I came back dancing

Got my feet up sun on my face
Life is a ride let’s pick up the pace
With a strum of the guitar the world feels right
Let’s dance on the clouds from morning till night

LAUGHING LOUD we chase the sun
Rolling on waves oh we’re gonna have fun!
With a trombone blast we’re breaking the rules
Together we shine just a couple of fools!

Running through fields with laughter in tow
A violin sings as we steal the show
Time is a game we play it so bright
With every note played we’re taking flight

LAUGHING LOUD we chase the sun
Rolling on waves oh we’re gonna have fun!
With a trombone blast we’re breaking the rules
Together we shine just a couple of fools!

LAUGHING LOUD we chase the sun
Rolling on waves oh we’re gonna have fun!
With a trombone blast we’re breaking the rules
Together we shine just a couple of fools!

Concrete and dreams underneath my feet
Grew up on these blocks where the cold and the warm meet
Didn't have much but I had this view
Rooftops and water towers skies painted blue
This city raised me made me who I am
Every subway line running through my veins

And I've been down I've been lost in these streets
But every time I fell this city caught me

(mm)

New York New York
I was made from your bones
Every scar on this city
Is a scar that I own
I have loved I have lost
On these streets made of stone
But I always — always
Find my way home

Harlem nights had nothing but a name
Told myself either make it or make it no game
Penthouse dreams from a fire escape view
This city don't love you till you prove something true
I've seen men fold under all this weight
But New York only opens up for those who wait

And I've been cold sleeping on ambition
But this city turned my hunger into vision
(yeah)

New York New York
We were made from your bones
Every scar on this city
Is a scar that we own
We have loved we have lost
On these streets made of stone
But we always — always
Find our way home

(ohhh yeah)
(home…)

They say the city never sleeps
(never sleeps)
But I've seen it quiet
At 4 AM when even the brave weep
(weep…)
And still — the lights stay on
(lights stay on)
And still — we carry on
(carry on…)
Because this city chose us
As much as we chose it
(mm)
Every broken dream here
Still has fire in it
(fire…)
(ohhhh)

New York New York
We were made from your bones
Every scar on this city
Is a scar that we own
(own it)
We have loved we have lost
On these streets made of stone
(these streets)
But we always — always
(always)
Find our way
(find our way)

Home
(HOME)
(ohhhhh)

New York…
(mm)
You never let me go
(never…)
And I never wanted you to
(fade)

Eight-oh-five by Saint Michel
Kola had a cake box under one arm
one red shoe in the other hand
He said “My aunt turns sixty”

I heard “aunt” “cake” and “Saturday”
and supplied the missing cinema myself
At Idris’ barbershop I said
“Maybe the man is getting married”

Idris did not repeat my sentence
He gave it catering witnesses
and a cousin arriving from Marseille
with three phones and firm opinions

By nine-fifteen the taxi rank knew the venue
By ten the tailor had chosen gold
By eleven Auntie Binta had named two children
Kola was still looking for candles

Who told you?
No be me
Who confirmed it?
Nobody

Radio trottoir radio trottoir
one little “maybe” took a motorbike
Dem don carry am go dem don add pepper
by lunch that man was married twice

At one he had married the mayor’s niece
At two he had bought a flat in Lisbon
At three he had left her for a singer
whose name nobody could pronounce

At four the church committee wanted answers
about a generator no one had lost
At five I tried to stop the story
That became “He knows more than he is saying”

At six my mother called me:
“Wear something decent
Apparently you are giving the speech
And bring your own chair”

I found Kola beside the pharmacy
still carrying the same red shoe
The cake was for Aunt Mariam
The shoe had fallen from her shopping bag

He stared at me for seven quiet seconds
then asked who I planned to marry
I laughed exactly once
That was my second mistake

Who told you?
No be me
Who confirmed it?
Nobody

Radio trottoir radio trottoir
one little “maybe” took a motorbike
Dem don carry am go dem don add pepper
by lunch that man was married twice

I went home to hide from the bulletin
My neighbour had prepared rice
My sister said a woman named Celeste
had accepted me on my behalf

Who is Celeste? Nobody knows
She may be a dentist
She may be in Dakar
She may have started at Idris’ second chair

My mother likes her already
She says Celeste sounds responsible
There are now two cakes in the kitchen
Neither one belongs to Kola

Wetin happen?
Ask the barber
Who start am?
No be me
Where proof dey?
It left by taxi
Can you stop am?
You fit try

Radio trottoir radio trottoir
no antenna no editor no brakes
By sunset Kola ran the ministry
by midnight I was cutting a second cake

Radio trottoir radio trottoir
every correction opens another branch
I only said “Maybe he is getting married”
Now Celeste is discussing curtains with my aunt

Kola brought the candles
My mother served the rice
Idris arrived with invitations

No be me

I kept each feeling under glass
A private rule from years gone past
You saw the lock you did not push
You gave me room to choose enough

Now every reason feels too old
I want a life I do not hold
One honest move one steady start
A simple route from heart to heart

Open circuit let it run
No more hiding what we want
Every signal coming clear
I choose trust I choose you here
Open circuit no disguise
Read the answer from my eyes
We can let connection start
One direct route heart to heart

You kept your plans behind a grin
Afraid that I would not step near
But caution only served the past
We have a chance to make this last

Now every reason feels too old
We want a life we do not hold
One honest move one steady start
A simple route from heart to heart

Open circuit let it run
No more hiding what we want
Every signal coming clear
I choose trust I choose you here
Open circuit no disguise
Read the answer from my eyes
We can let connection start
One direct route heart to heart

No locked reply no coded test
We say the need and give our best
If fear returns we name it fast
Then choose what matters choose what lasts

Open circuit let it run
No more hiding what we want
Every signal coming clear
I choose trust I choose you here
Open circuit no disguise
Read the answer from my eyes
We can let connection start
One direct route heart to heart

At seven the glass doors learn the street by name
sale tags turn slowly in the conditioned air
someone leaves a blue scarf folded out of place
and the mirror keeps pretending not to stare

A clerk counts coins like small weather
one by one into a paper tray
the fitting rooms exhale together
as the weekday loosens its display

Keep the low lamps on
let the room breathe out
there is music in the ordinary
when the hurry thins around
Soft returns quiet shelves
hands on fabric nothing else
after seven after seven
we move lightly through ourselves

Perfume cards sleep beside the counter
shoes line up like they know the floor
outside taxis change their colors
inside no one needs to want more

A coat on a hanger turns human
for a second in the corner light
I almost ask it where it's going
then I let it keep the night

Keep the low lamps on
let the room breathe out
there is music in the ordinary
when the hurry thins around
Soft returns quiet shelves
hands on fabric nothing else
after seven after seven
we move lightly through ourselves

Not every song should chase the ceiling
not every room should ask for rain
some evenings only need a rhythm
folded neatly with a name

Keep the low lamps on
let the room breathe out
there is music in the ordinary
when the hurry thins around
Soft returns quiet shelves
hands on fabric nothing else
after seven after seven
we move lightly through ourselves

The last receipt curls by the drawer
one small moon on the floor
after seven after seven
nothing asks to be more

You gave me praise with borrowed words
A polished smile for every turn
A front-row seat a painted name
A perfect pose a hollow game
I learned the rules I played my part
Held every cue against my heart
Then one small crack became a door
I do not need that stage anymore

Keep your medals keep your throne
I can build a life my own

Paper crown let it fall
It was never worth it all
Every cheer became a chain
Every win required my name
Paper crown hit the ground
Hear that honest simple sound
I step out I stand tall
You can keep your paper crown

You sold applause as if it cared
Counted every room I shared
Made my value fit a chart
Turned a person to a part
I know success can still be kind
When I decide what counts as mine
No public score no velvet rope
Can own my nerve or price my hope

Keep your medals keep your throne
I can build a life my own

Paper crown let it fall
It was never worth it all
Every cheer became a chain
Every win required my name
Paper crown hit the ground
Hear that honest simple sound
I step out I stand tall
You can keep your paper crown

I do not need a room to rise
I do not need their measured eyes
My worth survives without a vote
That is the line I choose to hold

Paper crown let it fall
It was never worth it all
Every cheer became a chain
Every win required my name
Paper crown hit the ground
Hear that honest simple sound
I step out I stand tall
You can keep your paper crown

Yeah
Rio Vane
Zuri Vanta
not FM in the mix
Filodyo
Summer starts right here

Ay
Turn it up turn it up
We outside tonight

Calor de junio
You already know

You came through with the sun on your shoulder
New dress old smile little bit closer
City too hot but you make it colder
When you move like that I lose control yeah

Got your friends in the backseat singing
Windows down whole boulevard listening
No plans just a night worth living
One look and the whole thing switching

Don’t say forever
Just say tonight
Meet me where the music
Touches the sky

I got that feeling
You got that fire
One more step and we’re dancing
Past desire

Calor de junio
Body like a radio
Turn me up don’t let me go
Baila baila slow

Calor de junio
Sunset on your stereo
One kiss and we lose control
Baila baila oh

Ay ay ay
Don’t cool me down
Ay ay ay
Summer starts now

Gold chain white tee you know the story
But you don’t move like the boys before me
You talk sweet but your eyes say more things
I might stay if the night keeps calling

No drama no pressure no questions
Just rhythm bare feet good intentions
If this is trouble I like the direction
You and me look good in reflection

Don’t say forever
Just say tonight
Meet me where the music
Touches the sky

You got that feeling
I got that fire
One more step and we’re dancing
Past desire

Calor de junio
Body like a radio
Turn me up don’t let me go
Baila baila slow

Calor de junio
Sunset on your stereo
One kiss and we lose control
Baila baila oh

Ay ay ay
Don’t cool me down
Ay ay ay
Summer starts now

She don’t need a ticket she’s the destination
He don’t need a reason just imagination
Palm trees moving like they know our names
If we disappear don’t put out the flame

Not tomorrow
Not too late

Right now right here
Let the summer wait

not FM
Filodyo
Zuri tell ’em

Ay ay ay
Move it like the heat is talking
Ay ay ay
No more waiting no more stopping

Calor de junio
Body like a radio
Turn me up don’t let me go
Baila baila slow

Calor de junio
Sunset on your stereo
One kiss and we lose control
Baila baila oh

Calor de junio
Body like a radio
Turn me up don’t let me go
Baila baila slow

Calor de junio
Sunset on your stereo
One kiss and we lose control
Baila baila oh

Ay ay ay
Don’t cool me down

notFM
Filodyo

Summer starts now

Yeah
Mono De Oro
No me mires así
You know what you do

Llegaste tarde
With that smile
Como si nada
But you changed the vibe

Yo estaba tranquilo
Mind on my plans
Then you said my name
With your drink in hand

No busco problemas
But you look like one
De esos bonitos
Que no say sorry

Te acercas lento
I lose my line
No me preguntes
If I’m fine

Una noche
No promise
Dos miradas
Too honest

Si te vas
I won’t call
Si te quedas
I might fall

No me mires así
Que me haces pensar
Que tal vez esta noche
No va a terminar

No me mires así
I’m trying to behave
Pero tú tienes algo
I can’t explain

No no no
Don’t move away
No no no
Quédate

No me mires así
Que me haces pensar
Que tal vez esta noche
No va a terminar

Tú tienes ritmo
Sin intentar
I got excuses
To stay where you are

Dicen cuidado
Yo digo maybe
Con esa cara
You drive me crazy

No quiero drama
No quiero stress
Solo tu risa
Close to my chest

Si esto es pecado
Make it polite
We keep it clean
But we don’t waste time

Una noche
No promise
Dos miradas
Too honest

Si te vas
I won’t call
Si te quedas
I might fall

No me mires así
Que me haces pensar
Que tal vez esta noche
No va a terminar

No me mires así
I’m trying to behave
Pero tú tienes algo
I can’t explain

No no no
Don’t move away
No no no
Quédate

No me mires así
Que me haces pensar
Que tal vez esta noche
No va a terminar

No te prometo
Toda mi vida
Pero esta noche
Se ve distinta

You don’t need words
I don’t need plans
Solo tu mano
Cerca de my hand

Si esto se acaba
Lo acepto bien
Pero por ahora
Ven ven ven

No me mires así
Que me haces pensar
Que tal vez esta noche
No va a terminar

No me mires así
I’m trying to behave
Pero tú tienes algo
I can’t explain

No no no
Don’t move away
No no no
Quédate

No me mires así
Que me haces pensar
Que tal vez esta noche
No va a terminar

No me mires así
You know what you do
Quédate
Just me and you